How Long Before Vanda Orchids Are Killed By Fungus?

Vanda orchids, native to Thailand and the Philippines, require high humidity, bright light, and good airflow to survive. They are susceptible to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, slugs, and snails, as well as fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, it is essential to regularly inspect your orchid and identify pest infestations early.

Vanda orchids grow best in high humidity, high temperatures, bright light, and good airflow, which can be challenging to achieve at home. Repotted every two to three years or when the potting mix breaks down, using a fresh potting mix designed for orchids is recommended. Vanda orchids are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including lukewarm water, hard water, and salt-softened water. In a greenhouse, daily watering is necessary, especially during the spring and summer months.

To spot fusarium wilt on vanda orchids, water plants in the morning to prevent wet leaves overnight. Sanitize leaf spots before the fungus reaches the crown and treat them if necessary. Vandas need high light and humidity, and excessive watering can lead to fungus and pest issues. Overwatering or too high humidity can lead to fungus and pest issues, while underwatering can leave your Vanda dehydrated and droopy.

In conclusion, Vanda orchids require regular inspection and proper care to prevent pests and diseases. Regular inspection and use of lukewarm water, sanitizing leaf spots, and treating fungus and pests can help maintain their health and longevity.


📹 Emergency Vanda Orchid Rescue

I believe this Vanda is too far gone but I have to try and save it. As always, thanks for watching. This is the link to my new Bonsai …


Do orchids eat fungus?

Orchids have a unique relationship with fungi, which they eat alive. Orchids parasitize their fungi by growing in tight coils within their plant cells, using a natural fungicide to control its spread and absorb nutrients over time. Orchid embryos, called protocorms, can live underground for years, snacking on fungi and waiting for conditions to emerge. The fungus forages for food and happens to grow inside the orchid roots, but it doesn’t evolve different behavior due to selective pressure.

Orchidologists have known orchid seedlings rely on digesting fungi to survive since the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that scientists started using DNA to understand the nature of this relationship. Systematic documentation of orchid fungi is just getting started.

Can orchid fungus spread to other plants?
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Can orchid fungus spread to other plants?

To treat orchids with fungus, simply remove the affective leaf and discard the plant and medium if the entire plant is affected. If the fungus spreads quickly, sterilize the container with a 10 bleach solution. The best product to treat orchids with fungus is a once-a-month soak treatment made from a store-bought powder.

Fungal diseases in orchids can range from cosmetic to potentially fatal. Cultural defenses include not keeping plants wet, never leaving them wet at night, and providing strong airflow. Allow the medium to dry between waterings for most orchids, and practice good orchid culture to prevent the worst fungal disorders. Minor fungal issues, such as minor black-spotting on leaves, can be tolerated without using chemicals.

What is the lifespan of a Vanda orchid?
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What is the lifespan of a Vanda orchid?

Vanda orchids have a cycle of growth and death, with flowers dying back and the flower spike drying up. The plant then focuses on growing taller or growing another spike until it dies. Vanda orchids can live for 15-20 years. The “dormant” stage is when the flower focuses on creating new roots or lacks nutrients for faster growth. The plant doesn’t go dormant as long as its needs are met, and its energy is directed based on the flowering cycle and the orchid’s environment, including temperature and daylight. Vanda orchids are forgiving with their blooms, so if they have had trouble in the past, they will produce beautiful blooms next time. To improve the blooms, follow these tips:

  1. Water the plant regularly, ensuring it gets enough sunlight and proper care.
  2. Fertilize the plant with a balanced diet of nutrients and vitamins.
  3. Water the orchid regularly, but not too much.

What is the fungus on Vanda orchids?

Vanda orchids can suffer from fungal and bacterial infections. Fungal infections are typically black spots with a powdery texture, surrounded by a colorful halo. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, are slimy lesions that appear water-soaked and may exude a sticky substance or emit an unpleasant odor. Both types can spread rapidly in favorable conditions, so preventative measures like proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering are crucial to keep these pathogens at bay.

Is rain water good for Vanda orchids?
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Is rain water good for Vanda orchids?

Rainy season can be beneficial for orchids, as it can stimulate new growths, leaves, and roots, as well as develop spikes and sheaths. Experienced orchid hobbyists often collect rainwater in clean storage tanks and water their orchids throughout the year. However, it is important to be cautious when exposing your orchids to rain, as some may face health issues. To ensure your orchids remain safe and healthy, follow these six care tips:

  1. Water your orchids regularly, even during the rainy season. This will help prevent fungi and bacteria from growing on your plant, which can lead to diseases.

  2. Regularly check for any signs of pests or diseases, such as fungi or diseases, and take necessary steps to protect them.

How do you get rid of fungal infection on orchids?

The recipe entails the utilization of one tablespoon of baking soda in conjunction with one gallon of water and three and a half teaspoons of oil, most commonly extra virgin olive oil, in conjunction with a mixture of water and baking soda.

How long can Vanda orchids go without water?
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How long can Vanda orchids go without water?

Vandas, or orchids, should be watered daily, especially if grown bare root. For potted Vandas, watering occurs when the medium dries out and is lightly damp to the touch, every 5 to 7 days. Small plants in clay pots can dry out within a couple of days. Watering Vandas more often during blooming and throughout the blooming period is recommended. When repotting Vandas during the active growing season, water the media for at least 7 days to prevent root cuts and breaks from rotting.

Watering in the morning allows leaves to dry and avoids bacterial growth overnight. If possible, use low-alkalinity water, such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. If you have a dehumidifier, the water collected in the tray is excellent for watering orchids. Green Jungle Orchid Food is recommended for providing orchids with the nutrients they would naturally encounter in their wild habitats. This fertilizer works best with low-alkalinity water, but tap water may be used.

What is the best fungicide for Vanda?

To care for Vandaecous orchids, it is recommended to spray with Dithane fungicide twice a month and use a broad-based insecticide on forming buds to destroy sucking insects called thrips. These tiny insects can damage flowers and cause blooms. Ascocendas, smaller Vandaecous orchids, are easy to grow and bloom 2-3 times a year. They require less light and may be more suitable for enclosed lanais. Following these simple guidelines will provide years of pleasure for Vandaecous orchids. Good luck and good growing!

What is the longest lasting fungicide?

Trivapro is a potent, long-lasting fungicide for corn and wheat that effectively controls diseases such as Northern corn leaf blight, tar spot, and Southern rust. The active ingredients of Trivapro include propiconazole, azoxystrobin, and benzovindiflupyr, which provide comprehensive protection against a range of foliar diseases and sustained residual control from the time of application until harvest.

Can you save an orchid with fungus?

The occurrence of fungal infections in orchids can be mitigated through the implementation of several preventative measures. These include the maintenance of a clean environment, the removal of dead debris, the promotion of proper air circulation, and the watering of plants in the early morning hours. These straightforward recommendations can assist in the prevention of fungal proliferation and the preservation of your orchids.

What is a natural antifungal for orchids?
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What is a natural antifungal for orchids?

Cinnamon is a common spice with several beneficial properties for orchids. It can be used to heal wounds, make a mild fungicide, and reduce fungi growth. Banana peels, rich in potassium, can be used as a natural fertilizer spray by soaking them in water for a few days. The “banana water” can be used in a spray bottle to feed the orchids. If the orchids are mounted to trees, the peel can be hanged around them for gradual fertilization.

Mouthwash, a natural bacteria-fighting agent, can be used to deter pests and bacteria in orchids. It is important to avoid flavored mouthwashes as they contain additives. Overall, cinnamon, bananas, and mouthwash can all help maintain healthy and vibrant orchids.


📹 Fungal infections on Orchids – relation to bad media

Today we will discuss about a possible relation between fungal infections on orchids and a bad, moldy and decomposing media.


How Long Before Vanda Orchids Are Killed By Fungus?
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9 comments

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  • I have a few problems with my phalaenopsis that I bought about 2 weeks ago and I’m not sure if they’re related to each other but I definitely want to address it but don’t know how. 1) when I bought the orchid, the leaves were really long and bright green. I’m not sure if the weight of the leaves was the cause but they seemed really flimsy but the texture didn’t seem very dry or dehydrated. There are 6 leaves, each one about 2-3 inches longer than the last 2) I’ve noticed brown spots forming on the flowers but haven’t seen any on the leaves and it seems that these brown spots are what are causing the flowers to fall prematurely Here’s what has happened since I got the plant: -It was in a clear plastic pot with no holes so I reported it to one with holes and used a media that’s mostly bark -I’ve had to cut a few roots that were dead because they were stiff and seemed to crack even when wet. -While repotting, I was sterilizing the scissors for when I was going to cut the roots and the wind knocked over my plant (it was about a foot off the ground so not too much damage) only one flower seemed to have been harmed so I didn’t think too much of it. The phal has two flower spikes and these brown spots seem to have started with the flower that was damaged from the fall but I started to see them even on the separate flower spike that wasn’t harmed at all. Have any ideas what I should do? Or what I’ve done wrong?

  • Hi! In my country, I have seen many people place orchid plants in hanging metal baskets – and they used coconut shells with husk attached as the base and/or containment in the basket (the basket has a lot of large open spaces). After fitting the basket with coconut shells, they may then fill it with media and the orchid plant. What I have noticed is that the orchid does well for some time. Depending on micro-conditions, the shells may go pretty bad in a couple of months; for others, it takes years to present itself via the health of the orchid. Some time ago, a few orchids were gifted to my mother in baskets that was filled with the coconut shells and husk – the coconut media was obtained form a local coconut tree from dried nuts. As you would see in the picture linked below, the orchid has similar dark spotting on the leaves. I think that the moisture from watering hastens degradation, and it provides a haven for all sorts of yuckies including pests, bacteria and fungi especially in coconut type media. The nature of coconut medium always seem to attract the yuckies more than any other media type to me. I will try to get a photo of the basket lined with coconut shells for you to see exactly what I was trying to describe. Meanwhile, here is a collage of photos from a dark purple dendrobium that was planted in coconut shell and husk and suffered from infection. postimg.org/image/ytrq4b1zj/

  • Hi Danny, it’s funny you did this article today, because two days ago I uploaded a article mentioning my experiences with Orchid Focus media. Overall, 2-3years ago I bought from Amazon UK a bag, a few days later, I had fungus in the pots (initially, I thought it was spider net). Two months ago, I bought again Orchid Focus from the Greek representative of the company, I had tiny bugs in the pots, I opened a new bag and I repotted all of my orchids, a few days later – guess what? Fungus again!! I bathed the bark media with h.p. in order to “sterilize” it as much as possible, because it is hard to find decent priced bark here, and now it’s just…fingers crossed (but certainly not buying O.F. again)!

  • Hi Danny…yup I did experience this with coconut husk media for my dendrobiums…changed them and now they all seem fine. For another note,can you please give us a closer look of your Brassavola Nodosa which one is having lot of buds…couldn’t get to see them much at the last article where you show them. Love, Puja

  • I think your right, When I used the focus bark it had a lot of tanning in it. And altho I rinsed it well for the 3-4mths I used it the dye poured out, when ever I watered the plants, When I changed the bark all my plants had burned roots from it, And some had no roots left, I’m thinking of changing to the ceramic type media now, I have a few plants in sick bay that are still suffering from no roots and are jut sitting on moss and they have developed the same spots. and 1or2 have yellowing leaves also, but this has only happened since being in the moss, could the moss have caused it? on these plants,

  • Thanks so much for this article! I’ve been blighted by a horrid mould outbreak in a few of my orchids (I think that it’s partly due to poor circulation as it’s winter and the windows are all closed). It’s all quite early (about a week since it started) but I’m super worried! It’ll use hydrogen peroxide and cinnamon but I’m tempted to also re pot the affected orchids. Problem is that they’ve all got new flower shoots forming. Do you think I should go for it and re pot them or is it too much of a risk to the new shoots? Thanks!!!

  • Hi, I’m having a problem with my orchird. I have had sense last July. The leaves ( which had 5 beautiful leaves) slowly started to turn yellow and fell off. I thought the orchird wasn’t getting enough light. I moved to my kitchen window for an hour. Then I thought I was watering to much, so I did started every other week, still nothing. Then I saw white mold on the media. Then I repotted it, trim the dead rots, with new media. That was a month ago. Now the white mold is on the orchird. Any suggestions on what I should do.

  • Hi do you by chance have a article on types of moss that can be used with your orchids,…do certain mosses produce different smells when used with orchids? And when you mean a bad smell, does it kind of have a weird earthy ammonia smell…..I’ve notice some of my orchids I thought I was potting in sphagnum, actually was sheet moss…I didnt know the difference, but now I notice a strange smell, could you lead me in the right direction, is this something that could potentially be harming my orchids.

  • Hello I have a big white orchid, I’ve had it for almost two months and I’ve noticed that the leaves are starting to feel dry. They haven’t fallen off but the texture is not the same. Also there is small green spots on the peddles. By the base the stems that are out, some of them have turned brown. I’m curious if I need to cut it and where.